Havana Rakatan: Celebrating Cuba's Music and Dance

Photo: Johannes Granseth
It's May and the weather outside is more temperamental than summery, but there's sunshine inside the Peacock Theatre. Celebrating the dance and music of Cuba, Havana Rakatan is a high-energy and upbeat show which transports its audiences away from London's rain to the colourful streets of Havana.

Perhaps we've been spoilt with dance at the Peacock, but while Nilda Guerra's concept is exciting, her choreography lacks the innovation and 'wow' we've seen in other shows. The dancers are similarly exuberant, but their movements are sometimes rough around the edges and not performed in synchronisation.

Nevertheless, Havana Rakatan is a fun show and its vibrancy makes for an enjoyable evening out. Its music, performed live onstage by a talented band and singers, particularly made us smile, tap our toes and feel, albeit briefly, like we were on holiday in Cuba.

Hakana Rakatan is at the Peacock Theatre until 24 May. Tickets priced £15-42 are available from the Sadler's Wells website. Londonist received a complimentary ticket to review the show.

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netssa

Cuban culture is very unique in Latin America, formed by the island's fascinating history. Cuba is the combination of gorgeous landscape, unique way of life, is a Caribbean hotspot. Cuba website: http://netssa.comYou have not fully appreciated the Cuban sensual experience without witnessing the island's expressive dances, Cabaret Tropicana located in Havana Miramar, musical extravaganza, a seductive blend of ballet and african motion

Edward Perry

These same shows are presented in Havana since 2009 by Steve Purvis, a UK expat who lived in Cuba, http://CubaHavanaCity.com offers some links to stuff like this and other things to do in Havana